Dublin Bus strike continues into second day

Over 200,000 commuters in the capital will be left without public transport later as the Dublin Bus strike enters its second day.

Over 200,000 commuters in the capital will be left without bus services later as the Dublin Bus strike enters its second day.

Up to 400,000 commuters could be affected tomorrow.

Employees at the semi-state company have staged pickets outside bus garages and depots around the city, since midnight on Saturday.

The workers are calling for a reversal of an almost-€12m cost-cutting plan which management claims is vital to the company's financial survival.

Yesterday, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar urged the unions to reconsider their position and call off their action.

Dublin Bus spokeswoman, Clíodhna Ní Fhátharta claims cuts are the only viable option.

"Everybody has agreed around the table that there is a financial problem," said Clíodhna Ní Fhátharta, spokesperson for Dublin Bus.

"As management, we're trying to act responsively to resolve the situation in order to ensure we protect jobs."

The strike will not affect Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services, which are operating with no restrictions.

Spokesperson for SITPU, Willie Noone, said workers don't want to prolong industrial action.

"There is no appetite for a long-term dispute - however, there is an appetite to do whatever they can to protect conditions of employment," he sad.

Passengers are advised that Dublin Bus tickets are not valid on any other transport carrier.